Watch The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a science-fiction comedy series produced by BBC Two in 1981. The show is adapted from the popular novel of the same name by Douglas Adams, and follows the journey of an unwitting human, Arthur Dent, in his quest to traverse the universe and uncover the secrets of existence.

The series stars a stellar cast of British actors including Sandra Dickinson, Mark Wing-Davey, Simon Jones, David Dixon, Stephen Moore, David Learner, and Peter Jones, and it revolves around the eccentric and bumbling character of Arthur Dent. The show explores themes of existentialism, human nature, and the absurdity of life as Dent journey's across the galaxy with his alien friend Ford Prefect in search of answers to the universe's most profound questions.

The first season of the series, which aired in 1981, consists of six half-hour episodes, each one focusing on a specific part of Arthur Dent's journey through space. The series opens with Arthur's house being destroyed by bulldozers to make way for a new bypass, just moments before the Earth is demolished by the Vogons, a bureaucratic alien race who are clearing the way for a new hyperspace bypass. The only survivors of the tragedy are Arthur and Ford Prefect, a hitchhiking alien who has been stranded on Earth for fifteen years whilst working on the latest edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a book which is the ultimate source of storage and information about the universe.

Ford and Arthur are picked up by the Vogon's spaceship, and from there, the journey through space begins. They travel to the legendary planet of Magrathea, in search of the meaning of life itself. Along the way, they encounter a host of quirky and fascinating characters, including the depressed and miserable robot Marvin, the two-headed Zaphod Beeblebrox, and the beautiful and intelligent Trillian. Through these characters, the show examines the fundamental questions of existence, such as the purpose of life, the possibility of multiple universes, and the limits of human understanding.

The show's production was ahead of its time, combining groundbreaking special effects with an irreverent, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. The series uses animation, puppetry, and live-action film to create a visually exciting and inventive universe that feels both meaningful and absurd. The humor is both whimsical and intelligent, with a focus on philosophical and existential themes that appeal to viewers of all ages.

The cast is an incredibly talented ensemble of British actors, each bringing their unique style to their roles. Mark Wing-Davey is both charming and mysterious as the two-headed Zaphod, and Simon Jones is the perfect protagonist, providing a sense of humanity and groundedness to the show. However, the standout performance is undoubtedly that of Sandra Dickinson as Trillian, whose intelligence and wit make her an engaging and captivating character.

Despite its engaging narrative and inventive production values, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was only produced for one season, leaving many fans hungry for more. However, the show's legacy has lived on, inspiring countless adaptations, fan-made material, and even a feature film adaptation in 2005. The series remains a cultural touchstone for science fiction and comedy fans alike, a testament to the enduring power of Douglas Adam's original work.

In conclusion, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a one-of-a-kind show that combines humor, adventure, and profound philosophical insights into a witty and engaging package. The show's legacy has lived on for over four decades, and it remains one of the most beloved and influential science-fiction shows of all time. Whether you are a fan of the books, the radio show, or the movies, the BBC Two production remains a classic and a must-see for anyone interested in the genre.